Southern Baptist Convention Ousts Four Churches: One for Having a Woman Pastor, Two for Sexual-Abuse Policy Failures, One for Financial Non-Participation

The Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee recently voted to expel four congregations from the denomination. The reasons for their expulsion include one church having a woman as senior minister, two others allegedly failing to adhere to the denomination’s sexual-abuse policy, and one for lack of financial participation.

The expelled churches are Immanuel Baptist Church of Paducah, Kentucky, where the senior minister is a woman, Grove Road Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina, for alleged non-cooperation in resolving a sexual-abuse allegation, and West Hendersonville Baptist Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina, for allegedly having a pastor deemed “biblically disqualified” under the denomination’s beliefs about sexual abuse. Additionally, New Hope Baptist of Gastonia, North Carolina, was expelled for failing to participate financially in the convention.

Each Southern Baptist church operates independently, meaning the denomination cannot dictate church actions but can determine membership status. The recent expulsions continue a trend, including past actions against large congregations for similar reasons.

Immanuel Baptist Church responded to its expulsion by affirming their decision to appoint Rev. Katie McKown as senior minister, highlighting Baptist principles of congregational and individual autonomy. They expressed hope for wisdom and discernment within the SBC moving forward.

These actions reflect ongoing efforts within the denomination to uphold its doctrinal standards, emphasizing the importance of accountability and adherence to established policies, as underscored by biblical principles of justice and integrity (Micah 6:8).

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